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GTU warns new promotions criteria unfair to veteran teachers
(Kaieteur News) – The Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) is raising red flags over the Ministry of Education’s revised 2026 Senior Promotion criteria, warning that the new points formula could sideline experienced teachers and upend long-standing norms in the profession.
GTU President Coretta McDonald told reporters Thursday that the changes will affect thousands of educators nationwide.
According to Mc Donald, the new formula assigns one point for every five years of trained service, replacing a system that awarded two points per year of trained service.
President of the Guyana Teachers’s Union Coretta Mc Donald
“The points system has changed drastically with no hint. For example, before time a teacher was awarded 2 points for every year of trained Service, the new formula assigns one point for every five years of trained.”
Under previous system, Mc Donald explained that a teacher with 15 years of trained service would have accumulated 30 points, under the new system, that same service would now earn only three points.
‘The points system offered now is only gearing to boast qualifications and does not reflect both. So, many of our younger teachers will be ahead of older teachers. As a result we demand that all should be given a level playing field.”
The GTU has since raised its concerns with the CEO at the Ministry of Education. The Union emphasises that meaningful consultation with the Union is essential to ensure fairness, transparency, and equity in the promotions process.
‘Teachers deserve a process that is collaborative, accountable, and just. The Union will continue to advocate for all educators. The acting president then Ms. Williams wrote the CEO last year indicating the discrepancies,” Mc Donald asserted.
In a previous statement, the GTU publicly registered its deep concern regarding the Ministry of Education’s recent handling of the senior vacancy list, motion criteria, and point system for senior promotion.
The GTU noted that while no formal requirement exists mandating consultation between the Ministry and the Union, the established norm and practice has always been for both parties to engage in meaningful dialogue prior to submission to the Teaching Service Commission.
The statement pointed out “The absence of such engagement in this instance is unacceptable and deeply troubling.”
The GTU said it views the “unilateral action, along with other recent practices, as blatant disrespect and disregard for the functional relationship between the Ministry and the Union.”
“This continued pattern of decision-making without consultation reflects a level of lawlessness that undermines the principles of partnership and collaboration that should guide the education sector.” As such, the Union said it will not allow this situation to go unnoticed.
“We call on the Ministry of Education to immediately reconsider its approach and restore the practice of consultation and engagement with the GTU on matters that directly affect the teaching profession. Failure to do so will compel the Union to take all necessary steps to defend the rights and interests of teachers across Guyana,” the Union said.
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